My brother-in-law has sort of given up hunting, so he's given me his older API Grand Slam climber. This stand was made in the late 90s, and I think it was one of the first API's made in aluminum (and was made in the USA I believe too).

Compared with Summit, which I know best, I'll say this about the API Grand Slam: it's a very comfortable stand once it's on the tree, but it doesn't pack as neatly, tightly, or quietly as a Summit no matter how many cinch straps I put on this thing.

What's the general opinion of this stand?

What has become of the API company?

Same here: it's comfortable to sit in.

I had the bow hunter model and hated to remember exactly how I had the sinch strap positioned so it wouldn't rattle going to my stand. The two halves are not designed to pack like a summit is.

With the summit, I slide the bottom into the top and sinch with one strap. And it's comfortable just as the API. And there ain't no pins to drop or figure out how to permanently attach.


Can you GET BY WITH AN API? Sure. But for the money, why improvise?

Dano has one and swears by it. API is drilling making stands.
API

I have the grandslam. It has been a good stand for me. I put some felt pads on several different locations to make it quieter. Im thinking about puting the new style seat on it, if it will fit.

I love mine.

I would rather eat a light bulb sandwich than spend money on an api. I bought one the other day and returned it because it was missing parts, I didn't feel stable in it and just generally hated it.

I have hunted with one since 1995 or so. I have really enjoyed it. Definitely one of the most comfortable and secure feeling stands I have sat in. I have only replaced the coated chains one time, as you would expect from the sliding up and down trees. I started out trying to bungee it all together to keep it from knocking together, but learned that all I need to do is put the rope I keep tied (so I don't ever lose the bottom while climbing) in between the two sections and then use one bungee to keep them together. Never makes a sound. Sorry if that wasn't a very good description but hopefully you get the point.

API is still around, but are made in China now.

I have 4 and like em.

There is no better climber made while those were built in La.
I put mine together with bungee balls and bungee cords.

I got one still in the woods from last year... I got to go get that thing.. glad you reminded me... I loved mine.. hope it is still there...

I have one too and love it but mine is beginning to make noise but I have figured it out. When the plastic coating starts wearing off the chain, the loose fit allows the chain to move up and down in its little housing where the clip goes through the frame. Adjust the chain to a hole with plenty of plastic around chain and it makes for a nice tight fits with no noise or movement of chain.

Loved my until someone desided they liked it better and cut the locks. Damn thief.

Y'all have the same opinions I do...

I had 2 API Grand Slams when I began climbing and liked them pretty well. The seat got in my way while climbing so, I swapped them out and bought the thin, butt-only seat for API. I liked them much better after this transition, but as y'all have stated, they're somewhat loud while transporting. I would put them together like BowtechDan; I'd put a cinch tight strap (like a ratchet strap, but w/o the ratchet) at the top of the pieces and at the bottom (by the "tree teeth"). This helped a lot, and kept the stands from making noise while walking.

Since then, I've made the switch to Summit...everything about them is better than the API's IMO. They are much quieter to transport, quicker/easier to set up, grip the tree MUCH better, just overall better suited for me.

can you still get the replacement chain with the plastic wrap on it?? If so where???

Also has anyone had any problems with the chain breaking.. That is the only thing that scares me with that stand.

never heard of a chain breaking. I did hear of a fella that fell out of one, never did figure that one out....